Protesters call on Logan Co. board to make data center moratorium permanent

Dozens of Logan County residents protested at the courthouse Monday evening, calling on the Logan County Board to permanently extend a 60-day moratorium on data center development, which is set to expire on Wednesday. The protest centered around a proposed $5 billion data center project by Miami-based company HUT-8, dubbed "The Logan Prairie Data Center," which promises 1,500 construction jobs and 200 permanent positions, along with an estimated $65 million in annual property taxes for the county. Protesters, including Army veteran Kevin Kirk and local nurse Shelly Thomas, expressed concerns over the potential negative impacts on their community. Kirk, whose farm is near the proposed site, voiced worries about noise, light pollution, and the disruption to his rural peace, particularly given his PTSD. Thomas raised environmental alarms, citing fears that particulates and chemicals from the data center could contaminate the local water system. They also questioned HUT-8's claims that the project would not raise electricity bills. HUT-8, in response to community concerns via its website, stated it would manage light and noise, use no local water, and asserted the project is not expected to increase electricity costs. However, protesters like Kirk remain unconvinced, viewing the company's assurances as sales tactics. Organizers of the protest hope the collected petition signatures will sway the County Board to reconsider the project and extend the moratorium permanently before a potential vote on Wednesday evening.